Navigation: ASU Universal

Sign In / Sign Out

Search

Police Department Manual (PDP)

PDP 103–01:
Earthquake

Purpose

To provide emergency guidance for the university community
following a major earthquake

Source

Arizona State University Emergency Operations
Manual

Background

An earthquake is one of the few disasters where assistance from
cities (i.e., Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert) or from the county or state may not be available. Earthquakes may also affect the services rendered by other sources (i.e., the American Red Cross). ASU must be
prepared to provide life-sustaining resources to those left at ASU. Evacuation from the campus may not be recommended, unless it is determined there are additional threats to the university community.

Policy

Classes may be cancelled after an earthquake. If needed and able to convene, the emergency operation center may be activated and the emergency operation plans followed. Regardless, information about ASU will be disseminated using the university notification plan.

Procedure

In the event of major damages and/or injuries, classes and work
will be canceled. ASU Police Department will provide
instructions for immediate action by using the university notification plan.

In the event of a major earthquake, the following precautions
should be taken:

If outside, get away from buildings and utility wires.

If inside a car, stop the car away from power poles and stay
inside.

If indoors, get under sturdy furniture or a doorway, away from
windows.

Don’t use candles or matches as there may be a gas
leak.

Use the telephone ONLY for emergencies—do not use
cellular telephones, as they tie up emergency lines.

Prepare for aftershocks.

Do not enter damaged buildings.

Stay away from exposed electrical wires.

For medical assistance, report to a designated staging area on
campus (listed below).

Listen to the radio for additional information.

Shelter/Staging Areas

Information about staging areas will be broadcast if the campus is partially or fully evacuated.